Nicholas Brown, Business Manager to Michael Jackson, George Michael and More, Dies at 75

Nicholas Brown, a highly respected business manager who represented legendary artists such as Michael Jackson, George Michael, Aerosmith, and Stevie Nicks, as well as Oscar-winning actor Michael Caine, passed away unexpectedly on September 5 in Santa Barbara, California. He was 75 years old. No cause of death has been disclosed. Throughout a career spanning five decades, Brown adeptly managed a wide array of duties—including tour logistics, royalty administration, real estate, and tax planning—for an elite clientele of entertainment industry stars.

Beginning his professional life as an accountant in London before relocating to Los Angeles, Brown built a reputation for his personalized, client-first methodology. In a 2015 interview with Variety, he recalled a humorous episode involving Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee, Bubbles, during the massive “HIStory” tour, but emphasized that his true contribution lay in staying ahead of a rapidly changing financial landscape. “The complexity of the work has increased dramatically; you have to be alert at all times,” Brown noted, highlighting how essential it is to adapt to new technologies and regulations to protect artists’ assets.

Joey Kramer, drummer and founding member of Aerosmith—the best-selling American hard rock band of all time—paid heartfelt respects, saying: “For 38 years, Nicholas was more than a business manager; he was a dear friend. He represented the ideal blend of professionalism and personal care. I am devastated by this loss.” Brown’s interests extended far beyond finance; in 2009, he completed a Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica and remained an active volunteer. His charitable involvement was equally noteworthy, featuring board positions with the Hands and Hearts of Hope Foundation and a role as chairman of the EduCare Foundation, which focuses on empowering young people through leadership and empathy-building initiatives across the globe.

He is survived by his wife, Gabriella Taylor, and their two sons, Jesse and Jerish. Brown’s enduring impact reflects both his sharp business insight within the high-pressure entertainment industry and his deep dedication to social causes, marking a profound loss in the intersecting realms of art and altruism.